Engineering Apprenticeship

Summary

Hill Helicopters are transforming private aviation through the design and manufacture of luxury personal helicopters. Based in Stafford, Staffordshire, they offer a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in high-performance aerospace engineering within a fast-growing, innovative team.

Wage

£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Engineering technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Thursday, 7.00am - 4.00pm and Friday, 7.00am - 1.00pm with time-off to attend The JCB Academy.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

3 years

Positions available

2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

A Level 3 Engineering Technician apprenticeship is a program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction that will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to work as an engineering technician. The apprenticeship takes 3 years to complete and will lead to nationally recognised qualifications. The engineering technician apprenticeship covers a range of topics, including:

Engineering principles
Technical mathematics
Computer-aided design (CAD)
Mechanical and electrical engineering

Apprentices will also learn about manufacturing processes, quality control, and maintenance, as well as health and safety regulations. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you will be able to work independently as an engineering technician and may be able to progress to higher-level roles within the company.

The apprenticeship standard may also involve the completion of a portfolio of evidence, which includes assessments of the apprentice's knowledge, skills and competences acquired during the course of the apprenticeship.

Where you'll work

Unit 3
Shackleton Way
Stafford
ST16 1GY

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

THE JCB ACADEMY

Your training course

Engineering technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Your training plan

Studying a Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard Engineering Technician over a four-year period, specialised programme designed to develop formal engineering knowledge and skills.

Three of those years include spending time at The JCB Academy to earn an Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship in Engineering Technical
Work will be carried out alongside vastly experienced professionals to provide knowledge on a wide range of subjects including health and safety, advanced mathematics, computer-aided design (CAD) software techniques and machine installation and calibration
Both practical and theoretical methods will be utilised to ensure apprentices develop the wide range of skills they will need to succeed in the engineering profession

Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard Engineering Technician

EAL L2 Dip in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Foundation Competence)
Edexcel L3 BTEC Dip in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge)
EAL L3 Dip in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering -Technical Support Technician (Development Competence)
Level 2 Functional Skills English (exemptions apply)
Level 2 Functional Skills maths (exemptions apply)

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

Competitive salary
Access to personal development training
Pension scheme with company contribution upon completing an apprenticeship and entering employment

More training information

As an official training partner, The JCB Academy delivers the classroom-based element of the apprenticeship programme. Specialising in engineering and business education, the academy provides a high-quality technical curriculum tailored to meet the needs of innovative employers such as Hill Helicopters. Learners will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, expert instruction, and a curriculum designed to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to succeed in the aerospace and engineering sectors.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English (grade 9-5 (A*-B/C))
Maths (grade 9-5 (A*-B/C))

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Science (grade 9-5 (A*-B/C) or equivalent)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative

About this company

Hill Helicopters is based in Stafford and plays a leading role in the design, development, and manufacture of luxury personal helicopters for the general aviation market. With a strong focus on innovation, craftsmanship and performance, Hill Helicopters delivers complete in-house engineering solutions—integrating airframe, engine, avionics and interiors to create a revolutionary aircraft that redefines private aviation.

https://www.hillhelicopters.com/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

What We Offer

Competitive salary throughout the apprenticeship
Access to high-quality personal development and technical training
Opportunity to contribute to real-world aerospace engineering projects alongside experienced professionals
Pension scheme with company contributions upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and entry into employment
Excellent prospects for progression within Hill Helicopters, a pioneering force in private aviation

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